" Fine country cottages in a secluded woodland retreat - just a short walk from three miles of golden sands..."

Just 500 yards from one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on the Yorkshire coast, these six very comfortable cottages nestle in a secluded estate with 60 acres of shared grounds which include mature woodland, rare plants, tumbling streams, a lake and a wide variety of wildlife such as deer, badgers, swans and herons. Raithwaite, Celtic for `a hill in the water', aptly describes this estate of six stone-built cottages that have been recently converted to the highest of standards, offering well-equipped modern facilities. They each enjoy peaceful and secluded locations making the perfect escape for a relaxing holiday. Set within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, the estate is within half an hour's drive of numerous attractions up and down this beautiful stretch of Heritage coastline. The quaint and unspoilt fishing village of Staithes (8 miles) consists of cottages huddled tightly together on steep cliff sides overlooking a harbour - in 1745 thirteen of the cottages were swept into the sea. One of the most picturesque ports in England, Whitby and its harbour are set in a ravine at the mouth of the River Esk. Dominated by the cliff-top abbey ruins (the setting for the fixing of the Easter calendar in the 7th-century), the narrow alleys and quaint streets climb down to the busy quayside, with its harbourside houses and small shops filled with crafts, curios and antiques. From these centuries-old streets, 199 steps lead up to the parish church of St Mary, its churchyard famous for providing the setting which inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. The Whitby Museum follows the life story of the town's most famous son, Captain James Cook, who sailed from the port to change the history of the world. Still a bustling and colourful port, Whitby offers fishing trips and the Whitby Festival, which is held around mid June. Robin Hood's Bay (7 miles) is a place notorious for its smuggling history, with a number of passages winding their way from the cliff top to the sea through the charmingly chaotic arrangement of cottages. There is much superb scenery to be enjoyed inland, most notably in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. The famous steam railway, which picks up at Grosmont station (7 miles) chugs through the stunning moorland and forest of Heartbeat country. The Park includes 23,000 hectares of forests, with the circular Falling Foss Forest Walk less than 10 minutes' drive. Passing by a dramatic waterfall, this walk is set in a broad-leaved woodland valley with grassland slopes on the banks of becks, making it an ideal place for picnics. The famous Cleveland Way passes by the Estate gates, while the Coast-to-Coast and Lyke Wake Walks both terminate nearby - making this the ideal spot for walkers and nature lovers alike. There are numerous first-class pub/restaurants at Sandsend and Whitby and a cliff-top golf club just 800 yards away. Riding is available locally.

This spacious and very comfortable south-facing property lies at the heart of the Raithwaite estate. Beamed sitting-room with `living-flame' Victorian range and dining area with patio doors to private terrace. Double bedroom. Large fitted kitchen with breakfast area. Shower room/W.C. Separate cloakroom/W.C. First floor: Double bedroom. Twin-bedded room. Bathroom/W.C. Second floor: Attic room with three single beds.

*Elec `wood-burning' stove and gas `living-flame' fire incl *Freeview TV *Additional TV *Auto wm *T/dryer *Large secure terrace with furniture

*Elec and full gas CH incl *Ample parking *Shops 1½miles *TV (Teletext) *DVD *Payphone *Auto wm *M/wave *D/washer *Fridge/freezer *Cot *H/chair *Shared grounds of 60 acres with woods, lake and streams (toddlers beware!) *Duvets with linen *Friday to Friday

Note: All properties may be booked together to accommodate larger parties.